Warning over door-to-door sales after abuse

POLICE are urging householders to be on their guard after numerous reports of so-called Nottingham Knockers becoming abusive with residents who refuse to buy their wares.

Gloucestershire Constabulary is asking residents to be alert and vigilant following reports in the past few days of intimidating door to door sellers.

Most of the recent reports come from Cotswold towns and villages and residents are being urged to keep an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Incidents have been recorded in Bourton-on-the-water, Moreton-inMarsh, Winchcombe, Greet and Woodmancote but the Nottingham Knockers move from place to place.

Nottingham Knockers is a term used to describe doorstep callers who are often from out of county and offer a selection of household products to sell.

Residents say men have sworn and become abusive when they have declined to buy household goods being taken door to door in large bags.

One man was intimidated after refusing to buy oven gloves from a large duffle bag.

Police say the sellers use different stories ranging from being out on licence from prison and selling on behalf of a charity where they get points for sales.

Often they will claim to be former prisoners who are part of rehabilitation schemes that do not exist and do not have a pedlar’s certificate signed by the police which is needed to see door to door. In July they were reported to be targeting Cheltenham but the most recent incidents have been in smaller towns.

A police spokesperson said: “Gloucestershire Constabulary is warning people to be cautious of anyone visiting your home out of the blue and trying to sell items.

“If you are unsure, don’t open the door. Police are also asking residents to look out for their elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may feel intimated by these actions.”

Anyone who feels intimidated or threatened by an individual still in the area can call 999.

But you believe you have been the victim of this type of crime you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or police on 101.